There are a lot of notes there. And it can be daunting to think that you have to read every single one.

Here’s what I do. I read the FIRST note of the line, and then use patterns to play the rest.

So in this song, I’ll look at reading only the first note, which I know is an A from my acronym FACE. For more on the note names, check out this lesson.

Now I know the first note is an A, I’ll look for patterns. And immediately I can see one. Take a look:

Do you see it?

Every note in the first measure moves up by one step. It goes from a line to a space to a line etc.

When notes go from a line to a space, I call that “stepping up”. And it means that the notes are going up one step on the keys. So I can start at the beginning and play the first 5 notes even though I’ve only read one of them!

Memorizing is OK!

I use my note reading skills the first few times I play a piece to make sure that I’m playing it correctly. After that, I start to memorize the notes and patterns.

Remember, the goal of playing the piano is not to read music really well. The goal is to play songs really well.

And if memorizing helps you do that — then do it!

I will never be a great sight-reader, and I’ve come to accept that. I work hard to minimize my weaknesses and celebrate my strengths.

And I encourage you to do the same.

Have fun!

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Lisa Witt
has been teaching piano for 18 years and in that time has helped hundreds of students learn to play the songs they love. Lisa received classical piano training through the Royal Conservatory of Music, but she has since embraced popular music and playing by ear in order to accompany herself and others.